I am writing this in response to Mr. Raneri’s letter to the editor published March 31.
You are probably correct that many coaches are hassled needlessly by parents, but you have chosen too wide a brush to paint the picture in this circumstance.
Let me say at the outset I am not personally involved, but know the family and the situation well enough to feel an injustice has been done by the Gloversville girls junior varsity basketball coach.
The parent who has stepped forward to question this coach’s actions is not the type to hover constantly and expect her child should always be first in line and get all the awards. In actuality, she finds it distasteful for it to be necessary to meet with the athletic director, the superintendent and then attend a couple of school board meetings in defense of her child. She has a righteous concern and has gone through proper channels, but her plea has fallen on deaf ears.
I happened to attend the school board meetings where she brought forth her concern.
The board (whose own conduct surpasses Ringling Brothers’ for entertainment) met her with preconceived opinions, disinterest and inaction. Having exhausted local administrative options, she chose to air her concerns in the newspaper and then you chimed in.
Mr. Raneri, I too was brought up to respect authority and be accountable for my actions.
However, I also was taught that to question the actions of those in authority when it appears they have gone awry was not disrespectful, but rather the responsibility of the individual in a democracy.
Being in authority does not make you right by definition. An obvious example we all have before us is the inappropriate behavior of certain Catholic priests. Would you recommend that it would be better if they had never been questioned? I hope not.
In closing, I suggest before you write your next letter to the editor, you check the facts and your patriotism.
GARY C. MYERS
Gloversville
